what is the connotation and denotations
O Brothers mine, to-day we stand
Where half a century sweeps our ken,
Since God, through Lincoln's ready hand,
Struck off our bonds and made us men.
Just fifty years--a winter's day--
As runs the history of a race;
Yet, as we look back o'er the day,
How distant seems our starting place!
Then, in a more assertive tone, making certain that humility did not replace self-confidence, he said:
This land is ours by right of birth,
This land is ours by right of toil
We helped to turn its virgin earth,
Our sweat is in its fruitful soil.
To gain these fruits that have been earned,
To hold these fields that have been won,
Our arms have strained, our backs have burned,
Bent bare beneath a ruthless sun.
Then should we speak but servile words,
Or shall we hang our heads in shame?
Stand back of new-come foreign hordes,
And fear our heritage to claim?
No! stand erect and without fear,
And for our foes let this suffice--
We've bought a rightful sonship here,
And we have more than paid the price. . . .
That for which millions prayed and sighed
That for which tens of thousands fought,
For which so many freely died,
God cannot let it come to naught.
You have to write what you think the answer it.. it is pretty late so I will assumed our tutors is in bed. In EST time.
I would break into multiple parts if you are writing an essay on this such as
"through Lincoln's ready hand,
Struck off our bonds and made us men.
Just fifty years--a winter's day--
As runs the history of a race;"
A connotation here is that Lincoln freed the slaves with the The Emancipation Proclamation.
... and make sure you are crystal clear on the meanings and uses of "denotation" and "connotation." Look up their meanings here:
http://www.onelook.com
thxs guys
The given passage is a poem that explores the themes of freedom, identity, and the struggle of African Americans in the United States. To understand the connotation and denotation, we can analyze the meanings of certain words and phrases within the poem.
Denotation refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, while connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that a word carries. Let's break down some key phrases:
1. "Struck off our bonds and made us men."
- Denotation: Lincoln abolished slavery and granted freedom to African Americans.
- Connotation: This phrase conveys a sense of liberation and empowerment, emphasizing the end of enslavement and the recognition of African Americans as equals.
2. "Our sweat is in its fruitful soil."
- Denotation: It indicates that African Americans have worked hard and contributed labor to cultivate the land.
- Connotation: This phrase symbolizes the sweat and labor that African Americans have invested in building the country. It represents their connection to the nation and their claim to it.
3. "No! stand erect and without fear, And for our foes let this suffice-- We've bought a rightful sonship here, And we have more than paid the price."
- Denotation: African Americans should stand proudly and refuse to be treated as inferior. They have endured hardships and have earned their place in society.
- Connotation: This passage suggests a sense of defiance and determination. It highlights the struggle African Americans have faced, asserting that their sacrifices warrant full acceptance and recognition as rightful citizens.
Overall, the connotation of the poem is one of pride, resilience, and the demand for equal rights, while the denotation provides a literal understanding of the events and emotions described.